Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-07-25

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From: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] DEMOCRATIC PARTY PROTESTS AGAINST MEJDANI'S ELECTION AS PRESIDENT

[02] TIRANA UNDER VOLLEYS OF GUNFIRE

[03] SERBIAN ADMINISTRATION CAMPAIGNS AGAINST ALBANIANS BUYING RESIDENCES FROM SERBS

[04] DEFENCE MINISTRY EVACUATES MISSILES LEFT IN GJIROKASTRA GARRISON

[05] NEWLY-APPOINTED PRESIDENT OFFERS RESIGNATION FROM POST OF DEPUTY

[06] PRIME MINISTER-DESIGNATE PRESENTS NEW GOVERNMENT

[07] U.S. CONGRESS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS AID OF $ 6 MILLION TO KOSOVA

[08] THREE KILLED FROM EXPLOSION IN APARTMENT IN DIBER

[09] PRESS REVIEW

[10] FRANCE OFFERS EQUIPMENT TO ALBANIA

[11] TEN KILLED IN CLASHES BETWEEN GANGS IN TOWN OF BERAT

[12] FRANCE OFFERS EQUIPMENT TO ALBANIA

[13] THREE KILLED FROM EXPLOSION IN APARTMENT IN DIBER

[14] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT APPROVES NEW GOVERNMENT

[15] MESSAGE OF ALBANIAN PRESIDENT REXHEP MEJDANI TO ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT AND PEOPLE

[16] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT DECREES APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

[17] INTERVIEW OF ALBANIAN PM AFTER PRESENTATION OF NEW GOVERNMENT

[18] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT REXHEP MEJDANI MEETS WITH U.S. AMBASSADRESS MARIZA LINO

[19] RESTORATION OF ORDER IN ALBANIA, ISSUE OF FEW MONTHS - declares Interior Minister -

[20] VISIT OF PASOK LEADER, KOSTAS SCANDALIDI, IN ALBANIA

[21] PARLIAMENTARY GROUPS, PERMANENT COMMISSIONS AND SUB-COMMISSIONS DEFINED

[22] MESSAGE OF GREETINGS TO ALBANIAN PRESIDENT FROM SWEDISH-ALBANIAN ASSOCIATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

[23] NEW ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT HOLDS ITS FIRST MEETING

[24] DP CONDEMNS TERRORIST ACT OF MURDER OF PEOPLE IN PESHKOPI AND ASKS PARLIAMENT TO REEXAMINE DECISION OF LIFTING STATE OF EMERGENCY - Statement of Albanian Democratic Party

[25] ALBANIAN SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER MEET GREEK AMBASSADOR IN TIRANA

[26] UNSTABLE SITUATION IN VLORE CONTINUES

[27] MR ROMANO PRODI CONGRATULATES FATOS NANO

[01] DEMOCRATIC PARTY PROTESTS AGAINST MEJDANI'S ELECTION AS PRESIDENT

"The Democratic party considered sad the election at the highest post of the state of a politician whose career has two darkest moments in the history of Albania," the DP protest said.

The DP mentioned that Mejdani at the beginning of his career has been a member of the Presidential Council formed by Ramiz Alia in 1990 which the DP considered "a coup d'etat organized by the last communist dictator Ramiz Alia," and at the head of the Electoral Commission in 1991 which secured a manipulated victory to the Labour Party of Albania.

"The second moment is that the newly elected president comes from a constituency where no other political alternative was allowed to contest and it was steeped in blood of innocent victims. He belongs to the group of illegitimate deputies of the Socialist party," the protest said adding that Mejdani represents the clan's interests and not those of the nation wide or the reformed base of the Socialist party.

"The Democratic party expressed its deep concern that his election will lead to further polarisation of the Albanian society and a deep crisis in our country," the protest said. pas/ak/k

[02] TIRANA UNDER VOLLEYS OF GUNFIRE

The new parliament lifted the curfew on Thursday afternoon.

"The Police directorate of Tirana has no information for victims," chief of the police directorate, Pashk Tusha.

Tusha added: "Three policemen have been lightly injured by stray bullets. They are out of danger. We have also received calls for help from Tirana citizens but it has been impossible for the ambulances to respond the calls because of the volleys of machine guns and automatic rifles."

He said that it was a great misfortune that irresponsible people have fired in the air for hours on Thursday night creating an unusual terror.

After a police appeal broadcasted by the Albanian television, the situation became calm.

"The people of Tirana understood that such an action should not be taken because innocent citizens and police staff got injured," Tusha said.

"Today, the situation is normal and very calm," Tusha said. ssh/kei/ak/k

[03] SERBIAN ADMINISTRATION CAMPAIGNS AGAINST ALBANIANS BUYING RESIDENCES FROM SERBS

A Serbian commission has registered 58 cases of "illegal" transaction between different nationalities. Other 37 cases include houses which have been sold to other nationalities based on contracts verified by the Serbian Ministry of Finance, the newspaper Jedinstvo said.

In 46 cases the transaction was carried out between serbs while 31 houses were sold to unknown buyers by the commission.

Based on the Serbia's known segregation law from 1989 which prevents the buying of real estates belonging to Serbs by Albanians, the Court of the Serbian commune of Prishtina has ruled 20 convictions to 60 days imprisonment for Albanians. pta/mp/ak/k

[04] DEFENCE MINISTRY EVACUATES MISSILES LEFT IN GJIROKASTRA GARRISON

"A group of experts of the Defence Ministry, verified the case and concluded that 16 mobile missiles, 6 anti-aircraft and 10 anti- tank respectively, have been looted," a report of the Defence Ministry said.

This type of ammunition which represents a big danger can explode automatically and cause damage within a considerable range if they are not kept in conditions defined by respective manuals, the report said. ssh/kei/ak/k

[05] NEWLY-APPOINTED PRESIDENT OFFERS RESIGNATION FROM POST OF DEPUTY

The parliament asked the Commission of Mandates to replace Mejdani with a deputy from the majority list of the Socialist party and continued its work to define and divide parliamentary groups.

Today's session started with debates on the television coverage of the oath ceremony of the new president. Many deputies asked for the restructuring of the Albanian television.

Deputies will discuss changes in the regulation on defining parliamentary groups. The Prime Minister Fatos Nano is expected to present later in the day the new government which should take a confidence vote by the parliament.

The Democratic party continues to boycott parliament until a second decision from its Steering Committee. It considered a part of deputies as illegally elected. ssh/kei/ak/k

[06] PRIME MINISTER-DESIGNATE PRESENTS NEW GOVERNMENT

The new government will be a five-party coalition government and will have 22 members, a prime minister, a deputy prime minister and three state secretaries.

The National Reconciliation government will have its mandate until Monday, when Nano 3 government will have a confidence vote by the parliament, in which the Socialist deputies have the majority. kei/ak/k

[07] U.S. CONGRESS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS AID OF $ 6 MILLION TO KOSOVA

In a document of the Congress, dated July 14, 1997, it is said that this aid "is recommended to the Kosova people, because the humanitarian situation in the region continues to be difficult."

The report for the aid, that USA are planning to offer to the other countries, has been presented by the congressman Sany Callahan. /p.ta/mt/k

[08] THREE KILLED FROM EXPLOSION IN APARTMENT IN DIBER

The tragic event, as sources form the police commissariat report, occurred by 0:03 in the morning in the flat no. 14, in the quarter "Gjon Beci".

From the powerful explosion, planted by unidentified persons, were destroyed three of the upper floors of this 5-store building.

Along with the cadavers of the three people who died and of 16 others who were hurt, the bodies of the other 6 citizens are also thought to be there. /kei/mt/k

[09] PRESS REVIEW

Zeri i Popullit under the headline: "Parliament lifts the state of emergency, elects new parliament of the Republic," says "Mejdani, president." The paper carries the message of the new president of the Republic addressed to the Albanian people. It reports on the nomination of Skender Gjinushi in the post of the parliamentary Speaker. The paper says that the Prime minister of the National Reconciliation Government Bashkim Fino resigned and was replaced by new prime minister Fatos Nano.

Under the headline "Parliament of kalashnikovs defines first structures of the installed power by the violated elections of June 29," the newspaper Rilindja Demokratike says "Mejdani, president of clans." Covering a reaction of the Democratic party on the election of Mejdani as a president, the paper says: "Mejdani's election deepens the crisis." Referring to the refusal of the mandates of the deputies Teodor Laco and Zef Bushati, the paper says: "Revanchist reflex of Socialist majority." Under the headline "Mejdani signed first decree," the paper says "Nano replaces Fino." Referring to the election of Gjinushi in the post of the head of the Parliament, the paper says "Gjinushi - incriminated."

Republika says: "Every minute in parliament. Quarrel on mandates," and "Berisha grabs the armchair, Mejdani takes its copy." The paper carries the editorial "Opposition does not mean war."

Rilindja says "Rexhep Mejdani - new president of Albania" and carries his short biography. Under the headline "Washington greets power transfer in Tirana," the paper says "U.S. are ready to help Albania."

Albania says "Albanian installed parliament elected yesterday: Puppet president, King prime minister." It carries the editorial "Precedent Mejdani." Under the headline "Parliamentary leaders appointed," the paper says "Gjinushi, black sheep-bell of red flock." The paper carries the news that newly elected president issued a decree of the appointment of Fatos Nano in the post of prime minister.

Koha Jone says "Presidency of new parliament elected. Mejdani: I swore as president. Fino presents resignation. Nano appointed as prime minister." The paper says "Strategic highway of power". The paper carries the editorial "24 hours of change," and reports that today at mid-day Nano will present his cabinet.

Under the headline "Parliament gained shape, electing its leading bodies. Presidency changes householder," the paper Dita says "President Mejdani leaves the party." Referring to a statement of the Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini, the paper says: "Berisha's resignation, an act of responsibility." The paper carries a short interview with the newly elected head of parliament Skender Gjinushi.

Gazeta Shqiptare says "Mejdani and Nano reached the top." It carries the editorial "Mutilated Parliament - political revenge which kills state." It says "Former prime minister (Fino) replaced by his leader (Nano) yesterday night, and "State of emergency lifted." kei/ak/k

[10] FRANCE OFFERS EQUIPMENT TO ALBANIA

"14 vehicles (6 trucks, 3 busses and 5 ambulances), and many pieces of equipment will improve the daylife conditions of the Albanian soldiers (bedroom and classroom furniture, cooking means)," the press release said.

The ships used for the French withdrawal will bring this equipment on July 26 and 27. They will be sheltered in Durres until the date of the official delivery will be known by Patrick Christmant, Ambassador of France in Albania.

During its three-month stay in Albania in the frame of the multinational forces of the Alba mission, the French battalion has done some 700 thousand kilometers, escorting some 6000 tons of aid and guaranteeing security for foreign observers in two constituencies, in Durres and Kavaja.

The Commander of the French forces General Maurice Godinot said in an interview to ATA that he will ask the French General headquarters for other possible logistic and technical aid for the Albanian army in a report on the mission of French troops in Albania.

The French battalion has some 930 members, 60 of them officers and 300 vehicles.

Last French soldier will leave Albania on August 3. ak/k

[11] TEN KILLED IN CLASHES BETWEEN GANGS IN TOWN OF BERAT

The clashes between the gangs, who have also used mortars, occurred on Thursday during all the day and in the evening in the "Clirimi" quarter of the Berat town.

Meanwhile it is reported that the member of another gang, Altin Dardha, died after being gravely hurt during the transport to Greece.

The police of Berat reports that the situation is quieter in a part of the town, where patrols are seen along the streets, while the situation is grave in the quarter "Clirim" and "Celebie".

The special forces of police went to Berat three times, but after they left, the situation was aggravated. Meanwhile the police are trying to identify the victims and those who were hurt. /kei/mt/sh/

[12] FRANCE OFFERS EQUIPMENT TO ALBANIA

"14 vehicles (6 trucks, 3 busses and 5 ambulances), and many pieces of equipment will improve the daylife conditions of the Albanian soldiers (bedroom and classroom furniture, cooking means)," the press release said.

The ships used for the French withdrawal will bring this equipment on July 26 and 27. They will be sheltered in Durres until the date of the official delivery will be known by Patrick Christmant, Ambassador of France in Albania.

During its three-month stay in Albania in the frame of the multinational forces of the Alba mission, the French battalion has done some 700 thousand kilometers, escorting some 6000 tons of aid and guaranteeing security for foreign observers in two constituencies, in Durres and Kavaja.

The Commander of the French forces General Maurice Godinot said in an interview to ATA that he will ask the French General headquarters for other possible logistic and technical aid for the Albanian army in a report on the mission of French troops in Albania.

The French battalion has some 930 members, 60 of them officers and 300 vehicles.

Last French soldier will leave Albania on August 3. ak/k

[13] THREE KILLED FROM EXPLOSION IN APARTMENT IN DIBER

The victims are identified as Zyber Doda, 62, Jona Doda, 11, and Dashamir Gazidede, 36.

The authorities of the town hall of Peshkopi, referring to the preliminary reports, inform that the motive of planting this explosive is revenge.

The tragic event, as sources form the police commissariat report, occurred by 0:03 in the morning in the flat no. 14, in the quarter "Gjon Beci".

From the powerful explosion, planted by unidentified persons, were destroyed three of the upper floors of this 5-store building.

Along with the cadavers of the three people who died and of 16 others who were hurt, the bodies of the other 6 citizens are also thought to be there. /kei/mt/k

[14] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT APPROVES NEW GOVERNMENT

The new government is a coalition of 5 parties, which participate in the People's Assembly.

The members of the new cabinet took the oath of office before the President of the Republic.

The new government is made up of:

      Prime Minister          Fatos Nano   -  Socialist Party

      Deputy Prime Minister   Bashkim Fino   "       "

      Foreign Minister        Paskal Milo  - Social Democratic
                              Party
      Defence  Minister       Sabit Brokaj - SP

      Interior Minister       Neritan Ceka - Democratic Alliance

      Minister of Public
      Economy and Privatization  Ylli  Bufi - SP;

      Minister i Labour, Social
      Affairs and Woman         Elmaz Sherifi- SP;

      Minister of Food and
      Agriculture               Lufter Xhuveli - Agrarian Party;

      Minister of Finances        Arben Malaj    - SP;

      Minister of Trade and
      Tourism                     Shaqir Vukaj -  SP;

      Minister of Public Affairs
      and Transport                Gaqo Apostoli - SDP;

      Minister of Education and
      Science                      Et'hem Ruka   - SP;

      Minister Culture, Youth
      and Sports                   Arta Dade     - SP;

      Minister of Health and
      Environment                 Leonard Solis - HRUP;

      Minister of State for Legislative
      Reform and Relations with
      People's Assembly            Arben Imami   - DAP

      Minister of State for Cooperation
      and Economic Development     Ermelinda Meksi - SP;

      Minister of Justice         Thimio Kondi  - Independent

      State Secretary for the
      Euro-Atlantic integration    Maqo Lakrori   - SP;

      State Secretary for the
      Policy of Defence            Perikli Teta   - DAP;

      State Secretary in the
      Interior Ministry             Ndre Legisi    - SP;

      State Secretary for
      Local Government              Lush Pjrpali   - SP;

The cabinet of Fatos Nano, 44, along with the restoration of law and order, has as its main task the solution of the economic chaos, caused by the collapse of the pyramid schemes and the reconstruction and modernisation of the country.

The Democratic Party and some other opposition parties, like the National Front Party, the Republican Party and the Legality Movement, etc, do not take part in the new government. /kled/mt/sh/

[15] MESSAGE OF ALBANIAN PRESIDENT REXHEP MEJDANI TO ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT AND PEOPLE

Honourable deputies,

Respected ambassadors and clericals and other guests,

Beloved compatriots who are following these so long-expected sessions of the new Albanian Parliaament,

Dear friends wherever you are inside or outside Albanian territories,

Being elected to the post of the head of state which is difficult, integrating and needs a life of equlibrium, I feel myself not only greatly honoured, but also rather impressed for the high responsibilities you trust me and through you, the Albanian people, especially in this rather difficult period that Albania is passing and the Albanian people are painfully experiencing along with all our compatriots wherever they are.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The fruitful cooperation between the main Albanian institutions, the Parliament, Government and the President, by fully respecting law, will be decisive for the solution of the crisis that the Albanian society is experincing today on the verge of the 21st century. It demands a maximal political and civic commitment of all the Albanians who aspire to a many-sided democratic normality, genuine emancipation, modern European civilization, for which the "Achilles hill" of the pluralist democracy is the institution of the free and secret vote, free and fair elections which reflect the people's will, the real soverign who decided the normal rotation of the state power.

In this political and institutional logic, the Albanian democratic institutions will be completely reaffirmed, their indispensable legitimacy will be restored, institutional activity unblocked, Albania's image in the world will be reshaped, all premises will be created for the restitution of law and order, for the quickest possible recovery of the country in the economic and spiritual aspects.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The country and people need peace, spirit of tolerance, love and understanding instead of the spirit of intolerance, hatred and tensioning, they need the feeling of unity, coordination and cooperation instead of that of splits, divisions and expulsions. We must aspire and fight together to reconstruct Albania, to reduce and eliminate unemployment, crime and corruption, we must aim at guaranteeng the people as soon as possible the joy of life, peace and its security, all-round possibilities and equal chances to develop free private initiative and economic, social and civic emancipation, to guarantee through legal and correct ways the local and foreign investments which are so indispensable for Albania's full integration in contemporary euro-atlantic structures and world financial institutions.

On the basis of your serious commitment to the duty you have charged me with, I will step up my efforts for the real and continuous materialisation of the National Reconciliation policy, for the construction of a new integrating policy of cooperation between all fraternal Albanians, among all political forces of the position and the opposition, against the policy of confrontation, of isolation and barricades, of intolerance and splits. To realise this we must establish a genuine rule of law, put above everything the law and observe it.

We all are equal before the law beginning with the head of state up to the rank and file people. In this view, and in order to be as loyal and unbiased as possible in the task you trust me, before you and all the nationals, despite their political and religious convictions, in order to enbody the integrating role of the symbol of the people's unity and that of an arbiter, I will demand immediately my resignation from the all party functions, even from my membership in the party, which had confidence to propose me to the high post of the head of the State.

On this occasion I appeal to the Albanian people to help me in this rather difficult task and to make their peaceful contribution to the disarmament and restitution of law and order, to the construction of the New Albania; I appeal to all the parties of the Albanian political spectrum, that, following the good example of the spirit among the religious communities, of the government and non-government organizations, to work together without and pre-judgement or after-thought, to come out of the dangerous impasse, to realise the political, historical, human, civic and spiritual mission, to overcome the Albanian crisis. I also invite Albanian intellectuals and specialists in emigration or who working throughout the world to work for the New Albania, to make maximal efforts for their direct participation in the new most skilled and cultural technocracy, which the country and its recovery need so much.

We must aspire and be committed together to the realisation within economic possibilities, of the legitimate interests of the population, of the war and labour veterans, of the recently affected families in particular, for the full political, economic and spiritual rehabilitation of the past and present formerly-persecuted. We must aim at working harder, at defending the material, cultural and spiritual values, the social and health insurances, education and culture, the strict observation of the democratic laws and the demands of the market economy, an activation based only on professionalism, skill, correctness and honesty.

No state or nation can live without work and toil, because in the places where there is not work and sweat, the crime, violence, Mafia, organized crime take roots and are installed, and all these fall onto the backs of the rank and file people, of their families and children, therefore let us fight together to open only one major road, only the high-road towards civilization which passes through labour. Let us be all committed to create a younger generation, with an harmounious, cultural and spiritual development, far from drug-addiction and corruption, a younger vivid, physically healthy generation, with the will and ambition for education, work and emancipation. The axes of all these efforts must be the fanatical observation of the fundamental human rights and freedoms, of the freedom of belief, speech, press etc.

Honourable guests,

Accepting the duty of the President, I express my confidence that by working all together, in close and multilateral cooperation with the European states and the U.S., with most prestigious international instititutions, we will reconstruct Albania and improve the rather critical situation in this country, we will recall this time for Albania as a painful, perverse dream, which will be never seen again, so that the present Albania, with its head now low, raise it again very soon to see towards European future, to be always a factor of peace and understanding in the region and broader, but at the same time it will serve as a political integrating factor for the Albanian question.

Let the Albanian people have always peace, progress and good fortune!

Long live Albania! /xh/sh/

[16] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT DECREES APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Article 1

      Prime Minister          Fatos Nano   -  Socialist Party

      State Minister in the
      Council of Minister      Kastriot Islami - SP

      Deputy Prime Minister   Bashkim Fino   "       "

      Foreign Minister        Paskal Milo  - Social Democratic
                              Party
      Defence  Minister       Sabit Brokaj - SP

      Interior Minister       Neritan Ceka - Democratic Alliance

      Minister of Public
      Economy and Privatization  Ylli  Bufi - SP;

      Minister i Labour, Social
      Affairs and Woman         Elmaz Sherifi- SP;

      Minister of Food and
      Agriculture               Lufter Xhuveli - Agrarian Party;

      Minister of Finances        Arben Malaj    - SP;

      Minister of Trade and
      Tourism                     Shaqir Vukaj -  SP;

      Minister of Public Affairs
      and Transport                Gaqo Apostoli - SDP;

      Minister of Education and
      Science                      Et'hem Ruka   - SP;

      Minister Culture, Youth
      and Sports                   Arta Dade     - SP;

      Minister of Health and
      Environment                 Leonard Solis - HRUP;

      Minister of State for Legislative
      Reform and Relations with
      People's Assembly            Arben Imami   - DAP

      Minister of State for Cooperation
      and Economic Development     Ermelinda Meksi - SP;

      Minister of Justice         Thimio Kondi  - Independent

      State Secretary for the
      Euro-Atlantic integration    Maqo Lakrori   - SP;

      State Secretary for the
      Policy of Defence            Perikli Teta   - DAP;

      State Secretary in the
      Interior Ministry             Ndre Legisi    - SP;

      State Secretary for
      Local Government              Lush Pjrpali   - SP;

Article 2

/a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[17] INTERVIEW OF ALBANIAN PM AFTER PRESENTATION OF NEW GOVERNMENT

- Your government has just taken oath of office, how do you consider this moment?

- It is the moment we constituted this government, giving way to our contacts with all the Albanians, despite their vote, with the other institutions institutionalized by the President of the Republic and the Parliament, as well as with the international partners, to be loyal with the seriousness and the biggest engagement of all the announcements we have made in the electoral campaign, with all the responsibilities which come from the new task we are taking over. Surely, this will be implemented in accordance with the situation we are experiencing, with the priorities of restoring normality, restart of the economic, social activity, that we hope to be impetuous in all the fields. At the same time we will try to apply the programs, already confirmed by the International Community for the reconstruction of everything in our dear Albania.

- Which will be the first "step" of the new government?

- After a while we will hold the inaugurating meeting of the government and later will define together the efficacious concepts, defined in the Draft-program, to immediately start the executive activity, quick, efficacious, so that each of the ministers "sits down" in his working chair and starts putting under control of the the situation and begin the operations for its stabilization.

- The government was established at a brief time. Will this rhythm continue?

- It will continue with the products of the work of this government and not with ceremonies. In its work, the government will not make any difference towards the citizens of the Republic of Albania, despite their political convictions, their religions, origin, family relations, etc, which have hurt so much the public opinion and our civilized society./mt/sh/

[18] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT REXHEP MEJDANI MEETS WITH U.S. AMBASSADRESS MARIZA LINO

As the President's Press and Information Office reports, on this occasion, Albanian President Mejdani expressed to Ms Lino his cordial thanks for the great assistance that the international community and the U.S. in particular have granted to Albania in this difficult period for the successful realisation of the elections, as the first step to overcome the crisis, and for the U.S readiness to contribute to the re-establishment of the democratic state institutions and the return of confidence in democracy.

Ambassadress Lino expressed to Mr Mejdani her wishes for the realisation with success of the high duty of the President of the Republic and confirmed once more the good will of the U.S. to continue the cooperation with Albania in fields of vital importance for the future of the country and for a continuous process of the democratic reforms in Albania./ake/xh/sh/

[19] RESTORATION OF ORDER IN ALBANIA, ISSUE OF FEW MONTHS - declares Interior Minister -

With regard to the way it will be realized, Minister Ceka confirmed that the weapons distributed with lists will be collected, that is the weapons which are known and the law for arm keeping without permission will be strictly applied. All the structures of police and local government will be put into efficience for their gathering.

Regarding the continuity of aid from the International Community, the Interior Minister declared that the important aid is envisaged since in the meeting of the donors, which will be held in Rome on July 31, and by the beginning of September, the first contacts with the state which will support the Albanian police will be set up. According to Ceka, these contacts will be established first with the Interior Ministry of Italy.

One of our duties is the restoration of order in the town, said Ceka, with regard to the stand against the armed gangs.

"No compromise with those who infringe the life and property of citizens," said Ceka.

In front of the massive arming of the population, Ceka accepted that in Albania, since the World War I, not all the weapons have been gathered. But, he added, we consider as one of our prior duties the collection of the majority part of the weapons, which violate the public tranquility and threaten the life and property of citizens./kled/mt/sh/

[20] VISIT OF PASOK LEADER, KOSTAS SCANDALIDI, IN ALBANIA

During this visit he will hold meetings with SP representatives, where they will discuss the relations between both parties and other problems of actuality.

On Saturday, at 18:30, a joint news conference will be held in the headquarters of the Socialist Party between the SP leader, Pandeli Majko, and the leader of PASOK, Kostas Scandalidi, ends the report of SP press office. /a.ke/kled/mt/

[21] PARLIAMENTARY GROUPS, PERMANENT COMMISSIONS AND SUB-COMMISSIONS DEFINED

The number of the permanent commissions is 13 from 12 it was before. The deputies of the Democratic Party did not participated in the proceedings of the People's Assembly even today.

At the end of the sitting, Speaker Skender Gjinushi informed the deputies that the presidencies of the parliamentary groups will convene at 17:00 in the Presidency of the People's Assembly./kled/mt/sh/

[22] MESSAGE OF GREETINGS TO ALBANIAN PRESIDENT FROM SWEDISH-ALBANIAN ASSOCIATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

"Your elections to the most important post as the Head of the State, avails us of the occasion and honor to wish you complete success in your duty.

We wish you to be as accurate in the field of the national policy as in the field of physics.

We hope, as we wish, that you will feel yourself and be really an arbiter for all the Albanian compatriots.

At the end, we have the right to hope that we are moving in the real road of the democratization of Albania and integration into Europe," says the message.

The message is signed by the chairman of the association, Naser Shatri and the secretary Christina Larson. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[23] NEW ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT HOLDS ITS FIRST MEETING

According to the Prime Minister's spokesman, PM Fatos Nano described that meeting as a sign of the total commitment to realise with success the pledges taken and to face with one of the greatest challenges the Albanians and Albania have been confronted with.

Wishing the ministers for their posts in the Government, PM Fatos Nano expressed in the first meeting his conviction in the success of that cabinet which, as he stressed, is based on the cogoverning and human partnership if we take into consideration the way it is constructed.

The beginning of work of the new government must reflect the new spirit, the new phylosophy of cooperation and coexistence, the practice of a modern administration, which must be naturally tested for integration.

Speaking of the program of the governnment and its tasks, Prime Minister Nano underlined the fact that the work starts in the respective ministries, which now must take clear institutional forms and be in full conformity with the existing laws so that the centralization of the decisions taken, the liberalization and completion of the activities of all the ministries be interlaced.

The problems and the statistics from the past government are very serious, said the newly-appointed Albanian Prime Minister, therefore, a great commitment is needed along with the elimination of the shortcomings of the past system, which brought about corruption, a striking red-tape and the lack of efficiency. To this end, the new government will not base its work on the party militantism but on the contest of the values, on the system, which Nano qualified as problematic contractual and timing relations with those who will be employed and at all levels of the state administration. This would make possible the selection. A legally-based professional skill will be the way of working in the ministries and the new administration in general, declared Nano.

The meeting also discussed the program to be presented Monday to the Parliament for the vote of confidence. Discussing the priorities of the Government, PM Nano underlined the fact that they will not be propaganda but concrete orientations, which will be reliable and realisable.

The programs of the international community to draw the country out of the crisis are ready, but in that aspect he stressed the need of the absorbing capacity of Albanian programs and specialists who will apply them, so that the claim to have serious international partners has its corresponding readiness by the Albanian government and administration.

"We must not allow that the international programs, assistance and aid go invain as a result of incapability and corruption," said Nano in the meeting.

Besides, the new government dwelt on some concrete and practical aspects for the beginning of the work with efficiency and within the shortest possible time. ake/xh/sh/

[24] DP CONDEMNS TERRORIST ACT OF MURDER OF PEOPLE IN PESHKOPI AND ASKS PARLIAMENT TO REEXAMINE DECISION OF LIFTING STATE OF EMERGENCY - Statement of Albanian Democratic Party

DP expresses its most profound condolences to the family members of the victims.

DP supports all the efforts of the order and justice forces for the detention and punishment of the authors of this terrorist act.

DP strongly condemns the terrorism which is taking innocent lives and asks the parliament to reexamine the incited decision it took yesterday for the removal of the state of emergency. DP thinks that the hastily lift of this law was politically motivated. It was request of the committees and gives a wide freedom of action to the criminal gangs, at a time when the state, due to the rebellion, does not function on its whole and is not able to protect his citizen, not at night, but also during the day.

DP thinks that immediate re-introduction of this law, until the state restores order and tranquility, and secures the life of his citizens, narrows the terrorist spaces for their criminal activity, ends the statement of the Albanian Democratic Party. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[25] ALBANIAN SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER MEET GREEK AMBASSADOR IN TIRANA

The Greek ambassador conveyed to Gjinushi the wishes of the Greek Speaker, Mr Apostolos Kaklamanis, as well as his invitation to visit Greece soon. He invited Speaker Gjinushi to participate in the meeting of the Speakers of the parliaments of Southeastern Europe to be held in Athens in autumn. Gjinushi stressed the maximal engagement for the restoration of the democratic institutions, the approval of a coherent constitution for all the Albanians, the construction of the rule of law and realization of a deep economic reform.

In the post of the Speaker, Gjinushi stressed the resolution for the realization of a real participation of the opposition in the parliamentary activity.

With regard to the bilateral relations, Gjinushi stressed the emergency of realizing the accord on the seasonal employment, as a first step. He found understanding of Mr Prevendurakis, who assured for maximal engagement, so that the agreement for the seasonal employment enters into force as soon as possible.

The Ambassador Prevendurakis, informing on a visit of the Greek Foreign Minister in Albania, stressed that the bilateral relations will intensify in all the levels and will be based on partnership and cooperation. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[26] UNSTABLE SITUATION IN VLORE CONTINUES

A news spread in the city today that a gunbattle was expected to be exchanged today between various armed groups made the people close at home before noon.

Although in the last 2-3 days there have been no casualties or wounded people, as admitted at least by unconfirmed sources, the people are frieghtened by sudden events which everyone on the street can experience.

The patrolling through city streets of police armoured vehicles everyday for several hours has had only a small psychological effect.

Also the roads that link Vlore with other areas and especially with Fier or Tirane, are insecure. In various parts of these road segments in some cases passengers of buses or vans have become prey to plunders by armed people. ake/xh/sh/

[27] MR ROMANO PRODI CONGRATULATES FATOS NANO

The Albanian Prime Minister's press and information office reports that expressing to Mr Nano the most sincere wishes in the name of the Italian Government and his personally, on his appointment to the post of the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr Prodi wished Mr Nano success over his mandate as prime minister. This mandate came as the crowning of an electoral process which proved before all the world the democratic consciousness of the Albanian people and the will of all the country to overcome difficulties, by chosing the road of democracy, says the letter of Italian PM.

"I am convinced," continued Mr Prodi in his letter, "that in this spirit the accomplishment of the numerous responsibilities you have in Your duty will be made possible. The coming stages will be decisive for the consolidation, stabilization and democratic normalization in the country, with the aim of creating the bases for the economic and social growth, which make possible the final overcome of the situation of crisis, for which we have worked together in the past months.

In order to reach this goal, it is essential for Albania to continue the close cooperation with the international community, which has made possible the positive results be attained so far, says the letter to Albanian Prime Minister.

Important objectives lie in store for Albania in the coming months. Expressing my encouragement to continue resolutely on the road you have taken, I would like to confirm to You Italy's full support for and solidarity with the friendly Albanian people," writes in his letter Italian Prime Minister, Romano Prodi. ake/xh/

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